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The Senate recessed early this week, and our next update will not be distributed until after the midterm elections.

The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, which would establish federal standards for college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements, among other provisions. Majority Leader Thune (R-SD) filed cloture last week on the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would establish a pathway for requiring data centers to pay for energy-grid upgrades needed to accommodate…

The White House announced Friday evening that President Trump intends to rescind approximately $800 million in FY 2026 congressionally appropriated funding, invoking authorities under the Congressional Impoundment Control Act. The targeted funding includes programs supporting immigration services, foreign aid, education, health research, and assistance for minority-owned businesses.  The move involves a relatively untested budget maneuver…

The parties have paused negotiations on a permitting reform bill that would have unfrozen wind and solar projects in exchange for a new, streamlined federal permit review process.  The bill could be revived during the lame duck session.

Both chambers of Congress are scheduled to return to Washington on November 9 for the lame-duck session. While there are a few actions Congress is highly likely to take, the broader agenda will depend heavily on the outcome of the midterm elections. The House is expected to hold a procedurally required vote on articles of…

Last week, the Senate narrowly rejected an Iran War Powers resolution that passed the House in July (H. Con. Res. 89).  Republican Sens. Collins (R-ME), Murkowski (R-AK), Paul (R-KY), and Tillis (R-NC) all voted for the measure.  Democratic Sen. Fetterman (D-PA) joined all other Republicans in voting against it. 

The outcome of the midterm elections will play a significant role in determining which of these priorities move during the lame-duck session. If Democrats gain control of one or both chambers, President Trump could seek action on several priorities before the current Congress concludes, including supplemental Defense Department funding. The administration could also push legislation…

With the House in recess until November 9, the Senate has a limited window to complete legislative business before the November elections. This week, the Senate continued work on the Protect College Sports Act (S. 4668), which addresses federal standards for college athletics and NIL agreements. Additionally, the Senate voted on one of the President’s…

SBA Extends Comment Period on Proposed Small Business Size Standards Following ASA Request – ASA Advocacy Helps Secure Additional Time for Construction Industry to Review Sweeping Proposed Changes The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has extended the public comment period for its proposed changes to federal small-business size standards, giving construction contractors, subcontractors, trade associations,…

The Trump administration’s consideration of restrictions on U.S. diesel exports could have significant implications for construction subcontractors and specialty trade contractors, particularly at a time when diesel prices are already elevated. President Trump has expressed support for restricting or banning U.S. diesel exports as a way to increase domestic fuel supplies and potentially reduce prices.…